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Kume Island
A remote green retreat and “most beautiful island” just a 3 hours’ boat-ride from Naha.
Located about 100 kilometers west of Okinawa’s main island in the East China Sea, Kume Island is actually a smattering of several inhabited and uninhabited islets. The entire island is designated as a Prefectural Natural Park that was once praised as the “most beautiful island” in the region during the Ryukyu Kingdom era. Access is convenient: about 30 minutes by plane from Naha Airport or approximately 2 hours 50 minutes by ferry.
Highlights include Eef Beach, a pristine stretch of white sand that runs for about two kilometers, and Hatenohama, a dazzling sandbar of pure white sand and cobalt-blue waters offshore. Hatenohama is accessible by shuttle boat in about 20 minutes, where visitors can enjoy snorkeling or stand-up paddleboarding in crystal-clear seas.
The waters around Kume Island are home to humpback whales and their calves, whale sharks, dolphins, and manta rays, making whale watching, diving, and eco-tours especially popular. On land, attractions include the Uegusuku Castle Ruins, where you can learn about the history and culture of the Gusuku period of Okinawa, and the Tatami-ishi, turtle shell-shaped lava formations formed some six million years ago.
Highlights
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Rich in nature, with the entire island designated as a Prefectural Natural Park.
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Home to stunning white-sand beaches such as Eef Beach and Hatenohama.
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Popular for tours to observe humpback whales, whale sharks, and more.
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Accessible from Naha: 30 minutes by plane or 2 hours 50 minutes by ferry.
Photos
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Hatenohama, a sandbar stretching about 7 kilometers
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Eef Beach, with calm waves perfect for swimming
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Abundant marine activities such as snorkeling, diving, and SUP
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Panoramic views from Uegusuku Castle Ruins, the island’s highest point
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Tatami-ishi on Oujima, a group of unique rock formations formed about 6 million years ago
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Local specialties include kuruma shrimp dishes and traditional Okinawan cuisine
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Are brochures or information signs available in foreign languages? (If so, which languages?)
Brochures are available in English and French. Information signs are limited to certain tourist spots.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
Yes, at Kumejima Airport, Kanegusuku Port Ferry Terminal, and Kumejima Town Hall (Nakasato Main Office and Gushikawa Branch).
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 久米島
- Postal Code
- 901-3193
- Address
- 2870 Higa, Kumejimasho, Shimajirigun, Okinawa(Kumejima Town Office)
- Telephone
- 098-985-7121(Kumejima Town Office)
- Access
- About 30 minutes by plane from Naha Airport, or about 2 hours 50 minutes by ferry from Naha’s Tomari Port.
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)